As part of The Bugle's support for the MV SIGNA making its way to Tasmania, we’re excited to bring you a weekly series of stories about the ship and its dedicated crew.

You can pledge a donation to the Bugle through our phone number 0412415101 within our business hours which are 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. If no one is there to answer your call, leave a message and we will get back to you. You can also pledge online with the link at the bottom of the article. So far $750 has been raised from local community members. $10,000 is the goal. 

The first series of stories focus on the six crew members who are manning the ship as it embarks on a journey across the South Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea to reach Tasmania for the International Timber Boat Festival. You can see them all on The Bugle App.

Geoff “Smokey” Farrah retired from his career as a financial planner in 2020, but instead of putting his feet up and enjoying his well earned relaxation, he decided to embark on a two year project to help restore the old MV SIGNA - and he’d do it again.

“Through my work in financial planning, I made many connections, including with Rex Jones and John Hansen,” Smokey says. 

“One thing led to another, and eventually, John invited me to join him on fishing trips aboard his previous boat, the Sarah Jane. When he took on the SIGNA restoration project, he asked if I wanted to help, and I thought, ‘What a fantastic opportunity to fill my spare time.’”

While Smokey’s professional background was in finance, he also had experience in timber restoration, which proved invaluable to the project. John Hansen’s goal was to bring the SIGNA back as close as possible to its original condition, and Smokey’s knowledge of timber treatment played a key role.

“I helped with a lot of the timber work, trying to restore it to its original state,” Smokey says. “There aren’t many timber boats left, which makes the SIGNA so special. Honestly, it was really enjoyable work.”

Though he relished the hands-on work, Smokey says the best part of the experience was the camaraderie with the rest of the crew. 

“I really enjoyed the mateship and knowing we were all working toward something important. It felt good to contribute to something that benefits Kiama, the harbor, and my friends. It was also a way to give back,” says Smokey.

Of all the crew members, Smokey was the one most eager to take on another similar project. 

“I’d do it again, depending on the project, who’s involved, and if I have the resources to contribute. I loved staying involved and being part of a great group of mates. That’s just what mates do.”

Smokey is now looking forward to the adventure of a lifetime as the same crew that restored the SIGNA aims to sail their project to Tasmania. 

“I’ve always loved the sea—it's in my blood. I’m really excited for John to have the chance to show off what we’ve done with the SIGNA, bringing it from nothing to what it is now. It’s going to be a great adventure.”

The MV SIGNA crew is still seeking fundraising support to help get their boat to Tasmania and they need the community’s help. If you’d like to pledge, please get in touch with us here, call 0412415101, or email [email protected].